Brew Co. will close, to be replaced by seafood restaurant

The Westwood Brewing Company, a popular bar and restaurant among UCLA students commonly known as Brew Co., will close its doors this summer after almost two decades in the Village.

The bar, located at 1097 Glendon Ave., will serve its last drink anytime from late June to August, depending on when the current owners can finish the real estate transaction and transfer their liquor licences, said George Workman, the general manager of Westwood Brewing Company.

The Boiling Crab, a seafood chain, will move into the space, said Steve Sann, the chair of the Westwood Community Council.

Workman said the reason for the closure was the owner’s desire to focus on other projects. He added that the Westwood Brewing Company has not been profitable since 2008, in part because of a decrease in the number of customers.

“Ever since the recession we have made less,” Workman said. “Instead of buying eight shots of Patrón (like they used to) we have people buying eight waters and two $8 beers.”

The eatery was sold for $450,000, reduced from $595,000, according to real estate listings.

The owners of the Westwood Brewing Company and The Boiling Crab could not be reached for comment after multiple phone calls and emails.

Workman said he plans to host a few closing events for the restaurant’s patrons, including a comedy show that brings back old acts.

The local community reacted to the closure on Twitter:

Too bad, but shadow of former selfMT “@dailybruin: The Westwood Brewing Company will close after almost 2 decades ow.ly/kVtk3”

— Scott Reilly (@RilesSD) May 11, 2013

Very sad to hear that Brew Co is closing, but excited to hear about The Boiling Crab. #westwood #UCLA — Andrae Vigil-Romero (@AndraeVR) May 11, 2013

BOILING CRAB IN WESTWOOD?!??!?!?! but no more brew co.. — Kyle Tomita (@kyletomita) May 11, 2013

Compiled by Erin Donnelly, Bruin senior staff.